Cleaning windows, whether outside or in, doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right knowledge, product, and ingredients cleaning your windows can be a simpler, faster process.

For indoor windows, you can create and use a one part white vinegar solution for swift, effective cleaning of debris, dust, and dirt.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners – and car owners – make when cleaning windows is using soap chemicals without wiping down the window first. It’s important to focus wiping off the heavier dirt build up, debris, and insect guts that have accumulated over time. A more thoroughly cleaning guarantees a cleaner window for a longer period of time.

Using a microfiber, paper towel, or black and white newspaper are all effective materials to use to get the most out cleaning your windows. It is worth noting however that sometimes multiple applications are necessary for cleaning windows, and sometimes letting the soap, or water and vinegar “sit” on the window, as this helps to break-down dirt build-up is necessary.

In preparation for cleaning your windows it’s helpful to already have a bucket for rinsing, and one for mixing the soap or chemicals if possible. Whether it’s inside or outdoor windows, be sure to use Z-like wiping motions to really get all the dirt off and improve dirt-removal. Using this technique also helps to prevent smudges, smearing, and missing spots!

Cleaning windows outside although they appear tough, can actually be an easier process. If possible, use a hose to water down your window first – but make sure you check for cracks and that your windows are closed and secure!

With cleaning windows outside, you can use either a spray-bottle or mop, since you don’t have to worry about the water and chemicals spilling on the ground or working its way down.

Make a point to also wipe down and clean your screen. Even with a clean window, getting sunlight in or seeing beyond your window can be tough with dirty screens! Screens are metal, so you don’t have to worry about being ‘too tough’ or abrasive with the cleaning agents and materials.

Sometimes on both windows and screens mineral deposits and mucky water build overtime, or from using ‘hard water’ – typically caused by iron or copper in water.

Calcium, lime, and rust build-up are common troubles both with windows and window screens. This is where applying cleaning agents and letting it sit comes into play the most.

CLR is a perfect example of a tough, reliable cleaning agent that helps to build up some of the strongest, most stubborn sticky build-ups and other dirty and nasty muck or grime.

Believe it or not, even in light of both indoor and outdoor cleaning, using white vinegar diluted with water can be the strongest, most effective solution thanks to it’s natural, organic ingredients. Vinegar in it’s various forms is a natural acid, so removing bug-guts, mold, dirt build-up and grime is a cinch!

Cool water is found to typically be most effective on outdoor windows – barring it’s not winter. While warm-water on the other hand is usually optimal for indoor window-cleaning, as the heat helps to break away at dirt and debris build-up.

Image credit: Andriy Popov